Landon Buford
It has been four seasons since Draymond Green was crowned the Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. Green earlier this year claimed that he’s the NBA’s best defender ever on the “Dubs Talk” podcast.
“I think I’m the best defender to ever play this game,” Green said. “One-hundred percent, that’s my opinion. But I also think I view the game a lot differently than most people view the game. I think I just see it from a different perspective.”
“I think when you look at the things that make a great defender: reaction time, toughness, being able to see the picture long before it develops, and most importantly, in order to finish a defensive possession, you’ve got to rebound. And I think I rebound well. And so when I look at all the facets that make up the defensive side of the ball, I’m think I’m great in every facet. So I’m think I’m the best defender to ever play in the NBA. I’ll stand by that. I’ll put myself up against anyone.”
Last week, Green, along with Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons and Utah Jazz Center Rudy Gobert, were announced as finalists for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
After the Warriors fell to the Grizzlies 117-112 and eliminated from the playoffs, Green said the team has a long way to go.
“We got a ways to go because we’re not in the playoffs. So we’re far away,” Draymond Green said. “Because in order to win a championship, we have to be in the playoffs. So we’re clearly a ways away. A few tweaks here and there, we’re not that far. But right now we’re a ways away because we’re not in the playoffs.”
Stephen Curry went live on Instagram Live and said his teammate should be the Defensive Player of the Year this season.
“Put some respect on his name. he put on a clinic on that end of the floor this season.”
Draymond Green this season averaged 1.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. Green is like a defensive back or linebacker as he controls the Warriors’ defensive, calling out switches and putting himself into a position to deny the opposition.
